Wendy B.
Yelp
Its been 2 years since they opened this location. So what took me so long? Or better yet, what took me so long to experience any of The Arcades at any of their locations? In case you are wondering, there is another Arcade and a bakery, Bakehouse, located in an upscale part of Riverside, Canyon Crest, which is not too far from the UCR campus.
This location is located on the beautiful historic downtown promenade that is bracketed by Mission Inn, City Hall, and the magnificent 1904 Superior Court building. Parking is plenteous, especially if you use the multilevel parking structure right across the promenade from the cafe. There is also some street parking, but don't count on it.
The interior is minimalist, industrial modern. There is plenty of small, flat top seating and counters with barstools. This location seems to be a popular spot for students and business professionals to meet or work on their laptops while nibbling and sipping on coffee drinks.
Temptation smacks you in the face right as you enter. A small case of baked goods, muffins, cookies, scones, baked fresh daily at their sister location, Bakehouse, are there to torment you until you relent.
I could not resist the Carrot Brown Butter muffin, and it did not disappoint. I chose my other breakfast items from their side order list. My scrambled eggs were wonderfully buttery, lightly salted, and very moist and delicious. To that, I added a side of bacon, 2 slices, that were thick, big, and nicely smokey. Perfect breakfast food!
Mr. B had a big, beautiful, blueberry citrus scone. Very good! He added an Arc burger, prepared as a smash burger. The hamburger meat is made from beautifully aged beef and is quite rich tasting. This is a great tasting burger you will not regret ordering.
On weekends, they serve from a brunch menu, not too terribly different than weekdays, with the exception of serving alcoholic beverages, too. Brunch on the weekend is by table service, and they recommend reservations.
My coffee included a small cup of rich, thick cream. While I found it to be a bit thin, acidic, and floral for my usual tastes, it grew on me. That particular bean was Piccaal Fuente from El Salvador, a medium roast. Free refills.
The only downside was with this type of Industrial modern, minimalist decor, I found it to be distractingly echo-y inside. The decor was softened with an artistic wall of hanging pathos plants.
Outstanding service, friendly and caring staff. This is a great little spot that adds class to an already attractive downtown.